Oil Change

New Oil for Oil Changes - Not All Oil Change Shops Know There is a Difference

Everyone knows, messing around and waiting too long to get oil changes done on your cars can only lead to potential problems. It is important that you stay as close as possible to the guidelines set down in the vehicle's owner's manual to allow your car to perform at its peak levels.

Oil is Changing

Not everyone knows using the wrong oil can cause more damage than waiting too long to change your oil. Gone are the days where 5w-40 oil can be used on each and every 5w-40 vehicle. Each vehicle has very specific requirements that go beyond the basic reading printed on the bottle. (Note the 5w-30 oil used in a GM will not protect a BMW engine that requires 5w-30. They are both totally different types of oil.)

Intervals are Changing

The mile intervals that are considered safe for a vehicle are changing drastically. While some oil change facilities are going to tell you that you need a change every 3,000 miles, manufacturers are suggesting that you can go anywhere from 7,000 to 10,000 miles without an oil change. So who is right?

The right answer to how long between oil changes is determined by how you drive and in what conditions. These are the 2 oil change schedules.
(Check your owner's manual, these are just a few)

• Severe Driving Schedule - usually (1/2 of Normal) every 3000 - 5000 miles
• If you drive less than 5 miles per trip or in freezing temperatures.
• Driving less than 10 miles per trip in normal temperatures.
• Driving in hot (over 90 degrees f) conditions.
• More than 50% operation in heavy city traffic during hot weather above 90 degrees f.
• Extensive idling or long periods of stop and go driving.
• Driving with a rooftop carrier, or driving in mountainous conditions or towing a trailer.
• Driving on muddy, dusty, or de-iced roads.
• Driving for long periods in cold temperatures or extremely humid climates
• Driving over 100 MPH.....

So what is NORMAL driving?

• Normal Driving Schedule - usually every 7500 - 10,000 miles
• It is whatever is left or not listed above...

Ask our expert ASE Certified Technicians at Advanced Auto Repair to determine the best regimen of oil changes for your vehicle. We can build a program just right for your driving style.